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FAQs |
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Who is behind ‘see me’?
The campaign was set up by an alliance of five mental health organisations in 2001. The Highland Users Group (HUG), National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland), Penumbra, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (Scottish Division) and the Scottish Association for Mental Health joined forces to launch Scotland’s first national anti-stigma campaign.
How is the campaign funded?
The Scottish Executive has awarded ‘see me’ funding until March 2006 as part of its National Programme to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing. All campaign costs (staff, advertising, leaflets etc) are met from this grant.
Is ‘see me’ just an advertising campaign?
No. The campaign has a number of different strands, all designed to get the anti-stigma message out to people across Scotland. We take out advertisements on TV, cinema, billboards and buses and we also send out thousands of leaflets and posters. In addition, we work closely with local and national anti-stigma groups to plan and run year-round activities.
Do you work with the media?
Yes. We work hard to get the anti-stigma message into the press and to help make the media aware of how to avoid stereotyping people with mental health problems. We have recruited over 60 individuals who have experienced stigma first-hand to talk to the media about the impact it has had on their lives. We support and train these ‘media volunteers’ in doing interviews on TV, radio, newspapers and magazines.
Do you try to influence the media?
Yes, through an initiative called ‘Stigma Stop Watch’, launched in March 2003. We monitor the media for items which either challenge stigma or could make it worse. We alert Stigma Stop-Watchers (over 500 individuals and groups who have signed up so far) so that they can send their comments to the media involved.
How long will the campaign last?
We know from other campaigns such as those against racism, that breaking down prejudice takes time. The ‘see me’ alliance believes that, with sufficient funding, it will take between ten and twenty years to eliminate most of the stigma and discrimination attached to mental ill-health.
Can I help?
Everyone can do something to challenge stigma. Whether it’s taking some leaflets or posters to display, helping us to influence the media by signing up to Stigma Stop Watch or telling people about the ‘see me’ website, anyone can help.
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![[Let's stop the stigma of mental ill health]](include/images/index_r3_c7.jpg){kind=small}
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